The creative arts industry in Limpopo has suffered a blow with the death of one of the province's most talented actors, Azwidohwi Tshirangwana.
The 53-year-old actor from Maniini, popularly known as Dzhiawolala, passed away on 4 March after a long but unspecified illness. He is the second well-known actor from Vhembe to have passed away in a short space of time. His death follows that of Ndivhuho Munyai, widely known as Mareda and more recently as Major 100 in the Phalaphala FM soapie Ndi Yone Mini Yeneyi, who died in an accident in November 2024.
A memorial service in Dzhiawolala's honour was held at his home in Maniini, outside Thohoyandou, on Saturday, 8 March. He was laid to rest on Sunday, 9 March. The service was attended by colleagues from the entertainment industry, including Mr Isaac Mamushiana of Vhakoma Productions, who discovered Dzhiawolala and gave him a platform to showcase his talent. Other mourners included popular Muvhango soapie actors such as Vhangani McDonald Ndou, better known as KK, as well as Vho-Masindi and Suzan Ravuku.
Speaking at the memorial service, Mamushiana described the late Dzhiawolala as a rare gem and a versatile actor.
"We met in 2011, and I quickly saw his potential. At first, it seemed impossible to cast him as one of our characters, but when I approached him, he was ready, and the rest is history. His first movie was Mbambe, produced in 2011, and he went on to act in many more. Two new movies he starred in have yet to be released. Around 2011, social media was not as prevalent as it is today, and he encouraged us to sell our DVDs. He did exceptionally well in this regard," he said.
Mamushiana added that Dzhiawolala had had immense talent and could play any character with ease. "The creative arts industry will never be the same without him," he said.
His wife, Ms Annah Mulaudzi, described his death as a huge loss to the family.
"We were together for 14 years, and ours was a match made in heaven. My husband was a loving person who was always smiling. The humour he displayed in public was doubled at home. We had many plans together, and the most heartbreaking thing is that our children are struggling to accept that they will never see him again. We will miss him dearly," she said.